LATEST ISSUE

In this special retrofit issue we launch our new RetroFirst campaign championing reuse in the built environment. We also announce the winners of the AJ Retrofit Awards 2019 covering 18 different categories; as well as building studies of two retrofit projects: Orms’ conversion of council offices into a hotel in Camden, north London; and Flower Michelin Architects’ Shingle House renovation and extension of a seaside ...

MoMA reconsiders demolition of American Folk Art Museum

The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is reconsidering plans to demolish the American Folk Art Museum

Just 12 years after it opened, the American Folk Art Museum had been set for demolition as part of MoMA’s redevelopment plans. But after heavy criticism MoMA is now reconsidering the move.

More than 6,300 people have signed a petition against MoMA’s plans to demolish the museum.

Designed by Todd Williams and Billie Tsien, the American Folk Art Museum sits next to MoMA in New York. Completed in 2001, it was the first new museum to be built in New York for more than 30 years.

MoMA bought the building in 2012, after the American Folk Art Museum ran into financial difficulties and was forced to sell. The move formed part of future plans for their expansion, which includes a tower designed by Jean Nouvel.

News of this u-turn comes after the museum announced New York-based Diller Scofidio + Renfro had been appointed to design its extension.

In a memo sent to staff Glenn Lowry, MoMA’s director said: ‘The principals of Diller Scofidio & Renfro have asked that they be given the time and latitude to carefully consider the entirety of the site, including the former American Folk Art Museum building, in devising an architectural solution to the inherent challenges of the project’.

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